But since when was there anything pretty about Stanford’s intentions on the football field? Or, for that matter, Wisconsin’s?

Both programs aim to will their way to victory; it starts in the weight room in the winter and blooms in the fourth quarters of the hardest-fought games.

In 2012, both Stanford and Wisconsin did what they do. The Cardinal (12-2) just did it better. Tuesday’s 20-14 win at the Rose Bowl was a perfect summation of the season—for both teams.

David Shaw’s grinding offense didn’t get much done after putting two first-quarter touchdowns on the board, but the unit came through in the fourth quarter with a 10-play, 62-yard drive that ended in a field goal but melted 6:31 off the clock.

“We wanted to execute better,” said Shaw, “and that drive, we finally did it.”

The Badgers (8-6) had a final shot to drive for a game-winning touchdown, but they just couldn’t get it done. Usua Amanam’s interception of Curt Phillips’ pass sealed it.

Stanford came through in the clutch throughout the season, going 8-2 in games decided by seven points or less. The Badgers, on the other hand, were 2-6 in such games.

Having Barry Alvarez on the sideline couldn’t get the Big Ten champs over the hump in Pasadena. Wisconsin has lost three straight Rose Bowls now. Salt in the wound for a team that has suffered so many heartbreaking defeats this season alone.

From here, the Badgers turn to Gary Andersen to coach them into a new era that—if it’s anything like the Alvarez and Bret Bielema eras—will be filled with extreme toughness, routine competitiveness and lots of wins.

But Stanford is aiming even higher. There’s little question Shaw’s program has moved into a truly elite neighborhood on the college football map. More Rose Bowls—and a shot or two at the national championship—seem to be in the Cardinal’s near future.

“To be honest,” said Shaw, “we’re still on the ascent. We can still play so much better, and that’s our charge now.”